Natl. Fire Protection Assn. releases new energy storage system fact sheet

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has released a new energy storage systems (ESS) safety fact sheet.

The release comes as the Biden Administration prepares a “Clean Energy Revolution,” including a proposed investment of $400 billion over 10 years in clean energy initiatives. “With more and more countries, states, and communities putting forth zero emissions deadlines, tax breaks and other changes, NFPA developed the at-a-glance Energy Storage Systems Safety Fact Sheet,” according to an association news release.

The resource outlines key points identified in NFPA ESS training, NFPA 855, Standard for the Installation of Energy Storage Systems, and multiple related materials. The document contains information regarding:

· The advantages of supplemental service, peak-shaving, load-leveling, and uninterruptible power supply

· Hazards such as thermal runaway, stranded energy, toxic and flammable gases, deep-seated fires, mechanical/thermal/electrical abuse and environmental impacts

· Designer/contractor considerations for safety – explosion protection/prevention, fire protection systems, battery management systems, and ESS spacing

· Permitting checklist for authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs)

· Pre-incident planning and emergency operations planning highlights